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SketchUp alternatives

Top 3D Modeling & Animation like SketchUp

The most popular alternative to SketchUp is Blender, which has a free version. Other great alternatives to SketchUp are Autodesk 3ds Max, FreeCAD, Autodesk Fusion, and Tinkercad.

Most alternatives to SketchUp are in the 3D Modeling & Animation category, compared here by price, platform and features.

SketchUp alternatives
AllFreeOpen source
8 apps

All SketchUp alternatives

  1. Blender

    Blender is a free, open source 3D creation suite covering modeling, sculpting, rigging, animation, simulation, rendering with Cycles and EEVEE, compositing and video editing. Its Grease Pencil tools also allow 2D animation inside a 3D space. Developed by the Blender Foundation and a large community, it is used by hobbyists, studios and game developers and can be extended with Python add-ons.

    12 Blender alternatives

    Pros

    • Completely free and open source, with no license or subscription
    • Covers modeling, sculpting, animation, rendering and video editing
    • Large community with countless tutorials and Python add-ons

    Cons

    • Dense interface that takes newcomers time to learn
    • Less established than Maya or 3ds Max in some studio pipelines
    Cost / License
    FreeOpen source
    Categories
    3D Modeling & Animation
    Platforms
    WindowsMacLinux
    Features
    AnimationPlugins & extensionsRenderingSculpting
    Visit websiteMore about Blender

  2. Autodesk 3ds Max

    Autodesk 3ds Max is a 3D modeling, animation and rendering application for Windows, used for architectural and product visualization, interior design and game asset creation. It offers polygon and spline modeling, a modifier stack, the Arnold renderer and a large ecosystem of third-party plugins and renderers such as V-Ray and Corona. MAXScript and Python scripting support custom workflows.

    9 Autodesk 3ds Max alternatives

    Pros

    • Deep modeling toolset built around a flexible modifier stack
    • Huge plugin ecosystem, including the V-Ray and Corona renderers
    • Long-standing standard for architectural visualization work

    Cons

    • Runs on Windows only, with no macOS or Linux version
    • Subscription-only licensing is expensive for freelancers
    • Steep learning curve and an interface that shows its age
    Cost / License
    Free trialProprietary
    Categories
    3D Modeling & Animation
    Platforms
    Windows
    Features
    AnimationPlugins & extensionsRendering
    Visit websiteMore about Autodesk 3ds Max

  3. FreeCAD

    34.2Kstars

    FreeCAD is a free, open source parametric 3D modeler for mechanical engineering, product design, architecture (BIM) and 3D printing. It is organized into workbenches for part design, sketching, assemblies, technical drawings, finite element analysis and CAM, and can be fully scripted in Python. Version 1.0, released in 2024, added a built-in assembly workbench and fixes for the topological naming problem.

    6 FreeCAD alternatives

    Pros

    • Free and open source parametric CAD with no license fees
    • Workbenches cover parts, assemblies, drawings, FEM and CAM
    • Fully scriptable in Python for automation and custom tools

    Cons

    • Interface feels less polished than commercial CAD packages
    • Workflows differ between workbenches, which slows down learning
    Cost / License
    FreeOpen source
    Categories
    3D Modeling & Animation
    Platforms
    WindowsMacLinux
    Features
    CAD & parametric modelingOffline modePlugins & extensions
    Visit websiteMore about FreeCAD

  4. Autodesk Fusion

    Autodesk Fusion, formerly Fusion 360, is a product design and engineering platform that combines parametric and freeform 3D modeling, simulation, generative design, electronics design and CAM toolpaths for CNC machining. Projects are stored in the cloud with version history and team sharing. It is used by engineers, makers and small manufacturers, and a free personal-use license with reduced features is available.

    6 Autodesk Fusion alternatives

    Pros

    • CAD, CAM, simulation and electronics design in one application
    • Cloud storage with version history makes sharing designs simple
    • Free personal-use license is a good fit for hobbyists and makers

    Cons

    • The free personal license is non-commercial and has reduced features
    • Cloud-based file storage limits offline work and control over files
    • Available on Windows and macOS only, with no Linux version
    Cost / License
    FreemiumProprietary
    Categories
    3D Modeling & Animation
    Platforms
    WindowsMac
    Features
    CAD & parametric modelingRenderingTeam collaboration
    Visit websiteMore about Autodesk Fusion

  5. Tinkercad

    Tinkercad is a free web app from Autodesk that teaches 3D design by combining basic shapes, making it a common first step into CAD for students, teachers and 3D printing hobbyists. Besides 3D modeling, it includes Circuits for simulating Arduino and electronics projects and Codeblocks for creating designs with block-based code. Classroom tools let teachers manage students, and an iPad app is available.

    6 Tinkercad alternatives

    Pros

    • Completely free and runs in the browser
    • Shape-based modeling is ideal for first steps in 3D design
    • Circuits simulates Arduino and electronics projects

    Cons

    • Too basic for complex or precise engineering models
    • Needs an internet connection and an Autodesk account
    Cost / License
    FreeProprietary
    Categories
    3D Modeling & Animation
    Platforms
    WebiPhone
    Features
    CAD & parametric modelingTemplatesVisual scripting
    Visit websiteMore about Tinkercad

  6. Onshape

    3.5(412) · App Store

    Onshape is a professional 3D CAD system that runs entirely in the browser and on mobile devices, with no software to install and no files to manage. It combines parametric part and assembly modeling with Git-like branching, merging and version history, and lets several engineers edit the same design at once. Developed by PTC, it offers a free plan for hobbyists with public documents and paid plans for companies.

    6 Onshape alternatives

    Pros

    • Runs entirely in the browser with nothing to install
    • Built-in branching, merging and version history for designs
    • Several engineers can edit the same model at the same time

    Cons

    • Documents created on the free plan are public
    • Needs a reliable internet connection to work
    • Professional plans weigh heavily on small companies' budgets
    Cost / License
    FreemiumProprietary
    Categories
    3D Modeling & Animation
    Platforms
    WebiPhoneAndroid
    Features
    API accessCAD & parametric modelingIntegrationsReal-time collaboration
    Visit websiteMore about Onshape

  7. Cinema 4D

    Cinema 4D is a 3D application from Maxon known for its approachable interface and its MoGraph toolset for procedural motion graphics. Designers use it for broadcast graphics, product visuals, title sequences and abstract animation, often alongside After Effects. It integrates the Redshift renderer, simulation tools and character animation features, and runs on Windows and macOS.

    8 Cinema 4D alternatives

    Pros

    • Approachable interface compared with most 3D suites
    • MoGraph tools make procedural motion graphics fast to build
    • Fits smoothly alongside After Effects for broadcast and title work

    Cons

    • Subscription pricing is costly for individual designers
    • Runs on Windows and macOS only, with no Linux version
    • Less common than Houdini or Maya for heavy simulation and film VFX
    Cost / License
    Free trialProprietary
    Categories
    3D Modeling & Animation
    Platforms
    WindowsMac
    Features
    AnimationPlugins & extensionsRenderingSculpting
    Visit websiteMore about Cinema 4D

  8. Spline

    Spline is a collaborative 3D design tool that runs in the browser, aimed at designers who want to create interactive 3D scenes, animations and interface elements without learning traditional 3D software. Scenes can react to hover, scroll and clicks, and can be exported as embeddable web code, images or videos, or used in Framer, Webflow and React projects. Teams edit files together in real time.

    8 Spline alternatives

    Pros

    • Lets designers create 3D scenes without traditional 3D software
    • Interactive states respond to hover, scroll and clicks
    • Exports to web embeds, Framer, Webflow and React projects

    Cons

    • Complex scenes can weigh down web pages and slow loading
    • Less capable than full 3D suites for detailed modeling
    • Advanced exports and team features require a paid plan
    Cost / License
    FreemiumProprietary
    Categories
    3D Modeling & AnimationUI Design & Prototyping
    Platforms
    Web
    Features
    AnimationIntegrationsReal-time collaborationTemplates
    Visit websiteMore about Spline

SketchUp vs its alternatives at a glance

Pricing, platforms and the key features of SketchUp, compared with its most popular alternatives.

SketchUp vs its alternatives at a glance
AppPricingPlatformsCAD & parametric modelingPlugins & extensionsTemplates
SketchUpFreemiumWeb, Windows, Mac, iPhone
BlenderFreeOpen sourceWindows, Mac, Linux
Autodesk 3ds MaxFree trialWindows
FreeCADFreeOpen sourceWindows, Mac, Linux
Autodesk FusionFreemiumWindows, Mac
TinkercadFreeWeb, iPhone

SketchUp alternatives: frequently asked questions

What is the best alternative to SketchUp?

The most popular alternative to SketchUp is Blender: Free and open source 3D suite for modeling, animation and rendering. Other great alternatives are Autodesk 3ds Max, FreeCAD, Autodesk Fusion, and Tinkercad.

Is there a free alternative to SketchUp?

Yes, 6 alternatives are free or have a free plan, including Blender, FreeCAD, Autodesk Fusion, and Tinkercad.

Is there an open source alternative to SketchUp?

Yes, 2 open source alternatives are listed, including Blender and FreeCAD.

Is SketchUp free?

SketchUp has a free plan, with paid plans that unlock more features.

Compare SketchUp with its alternatives

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